From Mentoring to Media for Expanding Derby Business Network

Details the expansion of Derby business networking group, Business on Toast.

PRLog - March 8, 2010 - DERBY, U.K. -- Business on Toast last week celebrated its recent expansion plans with the launch of a new video and a daily feature on Radio Derby.

The new video, produced by Derby Film Maker, Sarah Cogdon, showcases a recent Business on Toast visitors’ day, held at Limes Bar, Friargate. It features interviews with group members and attendees and presents the viewer with a clear insight into the business support and growth opportunities that Business on Toast provides its members.

The group recently spent a week live on Radio Derby, having entered a team into ‘Ed to Head’, the Ed George Show lunchtime quiz. Team members from ASAP Promo Ltd, Cactus Images, FastSigns Derby, HWR Designs, Instant Selection, Middle 8 Marketing Communications, Routen Chaplin IFA and Parliamentary Candidate for Derby North, Stephen Mould, fielded questions surrounding the Derby area and items from television and the broader media. “The quiz was a great opportunity to spread the good word of Business on Toast”, commented team captain, Clive Astin, owner of Middle 8 Marketing Communications. “It was also a lot of fun and I’d say that we performed quite well, answering 20 out of a potential 25 questions correctly”, added Clive.

Formed in August 2009, Business on Toast has attracted hundreds of entrepreneurs and aspiring local businesses who meet each week to share skills and most importantly, business and referrals in a non-pressured environment. Having achieved countless press and media features and having provided 50 business mentors to the University of Derby, the group’s individual members also boast their own significant achievements. Chris Redshaw, founder and owner of creative design and media company, Revolver Revolver, has recently made it through to a final short-list of six East Midlands companies who will work with the business contacts of leading Derby-based property developer, Peter Gadsby, as part of Business Quest. This week, Chris, along with his five competitors, will each pitch for the top prize comprising of personal mentoring from Mr. Gadsby himself as part of a support package worth £20,000. On his accomplishment, Chris remarked: “Just being nominated for this award is a fantastic achievement. Revolver Revolver have achieved an incredible amount in 16 months of trading and this would allow us to really step up to the next level over the coming months and years. It's a really exciting time for us."

Following the recent media focus on workplace bullying brought about by allegations against the Prime Minister, Bakewells Solicitors, also a Business on Toast member and an expert in employment law, joined the debate with their own press release. Bakewells employment expert, Kevin Modiri commented: “The legal position with respect to bullying is more complex than discrimination as there isn’t a separate piece of legislation to deal with it, but there is protection for employees. For example, they can claim breach of contract on the basis that their employer has failed to provide reasonable support to ensure they can fulfill their job without harassment or disruption. Or there may be circumstances for claiming constructive unfair dismissal or by claiming personal injury protection”. For more information on employment matters, contact Bakewells on 01332 348791.

A second Derby Business on Toast group to be held every Thursday evening will launch shortly at a central Derby venue yet to be confirmed. Business on Toast invites aspiring businesses to register their interest in attending by telephoning Director, Bill Cort, on 0845 519 0041.

Business on Toast is owned and operated by LinQlaw Commercial Solutions Ltd.

Business on Toast meetings are held at:The Paddock Hotel, 222 Station Road, Melbourne, Derby, DE73 8BQ, from 6.45am every Friday. The Hilton House Hotel, 1 Mill Lane, Hilton, Derbyshire, DE65 5JX, every Tuesday from 6.45am. Limes Bar, 102 Friar Gate, Derby, DE1 1EX every Wednesday from 12.30pm. A new Thursday evening group will begin shortly at a yet to be announced Derby venue.

Business on Toast is an expanding Derby-based business networking group with members spanning numerous and varied industries. The University of Derby group meets every Wednesday lunchtime at 12pm, Limes Bar, Friargate.